Boiler-feed-water system



vJuly 7, 1925.

0. H. LUDE MAN BOILER FEED WATER SYSTEM Filed March 12, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 lNVENT R ATTORNEY July 7 1925. 1,544,916

. o. H. LUDEMAN BOILER FEED WATER SYSTEM Filed March 1.2, 193; 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR & ATTORNE O. H. LUDEMAN BOILER FEED WATER SYSTEM Filed March 12, 1923 July 925.

5 Sheets heet 5 July 7,1925. v

O. H. LUDEMAN BOILER FEED WATER SYSTEM 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 12 ATTOR EY' July 7, 1925.

O. H. LUDEMAN BOILER FEED WATER SYSTEM Filed March 12, 19255 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTOR Y Patented July 7,v 1925.

UNITED STATES OSCAR H. LUDEMAN, OF GLENBJIDGE, NEW JERSEY.

BOILER-FEED-WATER SYSTEM.

Application filed much 12, 1923. Serial. in. 624,417.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, OSCAR H. LUDEMAN, a citizen of the United States,residing at 114 Hillside Avenue, Glen Ridge,-New Jersey,

have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Boiler-Feed-Water Systems,

of which the following is a specificatiom tion of parts adapted to control such supply controlling tank,

automatically.

The object of the invention is to provide a water supply system which in its application to boiler feeding Wlll dispense with in]ec tors, boiler feed pumps and dumping or. tilt traps with their-more or less complicated parts, the system being continuously and automatically operated, and requiring the minimum of personnel and labor.

In practice where the water of condensation or water supply is delivered below the water level in the boilers it is necessary,

- with other forms or systems, to raise the Water when feeding to the boilers by means of pumps, two or more tilt or'.dumping traps, or injectors, involving more complicated mechanism or high steam consumption, or both. In accordance with my invention much apparatus is dispensed with. A very simple mechanism is employed, and the steam required for operating is relatively small. A reservoir is placed above the boiler water level, another is placed at a point sufficiently low to receive the returns of condensation and makeup water for supplying the boilers. A water supply pipe connects the upper with the lower tank or reservoir; another water supply pipe or pipes connects the upper tank with the boiler or boilers being supplied. One tank, known as the is provided with a float, a float arm, together with the necessary connections and valves forming the distributor. A high pressure steam line connect*the distributor with the steam space in one or more of the boilers. Another steam line connects the distributor in the controlling tank with controlled tank and a a balancing and pressure applylng steam the topof the other or controlled tank. i

The invention provides means for supplying the water to the boilers automatically, the operation being governed by the float in the controlling tank, the water being alternately delivered by means of steam pressure from the lower to the upper tank,

pressure in and thenflowing by gravit from the upper tank to the boilers. In t e particular embodiment of this improvement there is incorporated in the controlling tank a valve mechanism whose operation is controlled by a float. This valve mechanism comprises two valves, each having two seats, both these valves in this particular form of construction being on one stem, thereby moving together at all times. These valves, seats and mechanism comprise the distributor. The controlling tank with the distributor may be either in the upper or lower position'with relation to the controlled tank as the conditions of the installation may permit or warrant." The float controls the operation of the valves in the distributor thru a spring snap connection, giving a positive instantaneous movement of the valves in either direction. The position of these distributor valves determines the alternate delivery of steam to and release of steam from the controlling and controlled tanks, respectively.

Thus means are provided whereby the up per tank is emptied and the lower tank filled, the float in the controlling tank actuating the distributor valves so that the steam previously admitted to the upper tank (which has just been emptied) is exhausted, thereby relieving said upper tank of pressure, and at the same time high pressure steam is admitted to the filled lower tank, thus displacing the water in said lower tank, following which the. change in the lever of the float in the controlling tank reverses the position of the distributor valves, releasing or exhaustlng the steam from the lower tank, permittingits refilling by the condensation returns or t makeup water; at the same time steam under pressure is the upper filled tank, thereby creating a this upper tank equal to the boiler pressure, so that the water will flow by gravity from this upper tank to the boiler or boilers at a rate predetermined by the openihg of the feed valves'inthe water suplines to the respective boilers, the feed valves being controlled bythe operator. Means are thus provided comprising a The two tanks are connected by a water.

admitted bythe distributor to l controlling tank with pipe and the balancing and pressure apply- 1ng steam line and distributing valves being sov controlled and o erated as to supply steam pressure from the boiler and 'by means 5 of the steam line alternately to the upper and lower tanks, thereby alternately filling the upper tank from the lower tank.

*It will'be obvious that the water in the lower tank will be expelled and delivered into the upper tank very quickly, due to the admission of high pressure steam. to said lower tank, so that there need be no practical interruption to the continuity of flow of water from the upper tank to the boiler or boilers.

A further improvement to this system is shown in one-of the accompanying drawings, wherein in installations where the controlling tank is the upper tank. means are provided in the lower tank or controlled tank, by the installation of a float controlling a water valve whereby it condensation returns are insufficient to take care of the requirements of the boilers so that the lower tank 95 is not filled equal to the amount of water leaving the upper tank to the boilers, the float in the lower tank will necessarily go to a lower position, thus admitting water from the general water supply system to this 330 tank to make up for the deficiency for the supply in the returns, thereby always insuring complete filling of the upper tank from the lower tank.

Further application of this feature just described is also shown, whereby this automatic float controlling the water .makeup supply, together with the lower tank, are

' oth incorporated in the base of and form a part of a feed water heater, this construction making a more compact unit occupying less space without involving compllcations.

In the drawings attached to and forming part of the present specifications:

Fig. 1, is an elevation partly in section of the apparatus showing the float tank or controlling reservoir below the boiler-water level, filled and ready to deliver its supply to the controlled reservoir, this latter being above the boiler-water level.

Fig. 2, is a vertical section thru the floattank and its various connections, the parts being those illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section thru the distributor or valve mechanism, in the position shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4', is a section along the line (z-01.

Fig. 5, is a section along 11-1) of Fig. 3, 6C and v v Fig. 6, a section along 0-0 of Fig. 3.

Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are detail views ofthe float controlled valve operating mechanism.

- Fig, 10, shows a sectionisimilar to Fig. 1, but with the float tank above andthe controlled reservoir below the level of the water in the boiler and showing a supplemental feed supply for the water.

Fig. 11, is a view in section showing the float down, the parts being those illustrated in Figure 10.

Fig. 12, is a vertical section showing a water heater and water supply system embodying the invention.

1 is theboiler into which discharges the water feed pipe 2 and from which leads the pressure pipe 3. Reservoir 4, is provided. which is connected with the float tank 5, by the pipes 6 and S and withthe boiler by pipe 2. The pipe 7 into which flows the water of condensation, empties in Figs. 1 and 2, into the top of the float tank 5, and in Fig. 10, the corresponding pipe 7 empties into the top of reservoir 4. Enclosed within the tank 5 is the float 9 with its lever arm fulcrumed at 11, operating the distributor, including the valve stem 12, the valves 13 and 14. This controls the pressure between the boiler 1, tank 5 and reservoir 4. An exhaust for tank and reservoir is provided thru pipe 15:

Each valve has two operating 'faces so that, according to their position, these valves can put into communication or shut off communication between the pipes 3, 6 and 15, and the passage 17 as will be described later on.- Q

The pipe 3 leading from the boiler terminates opposite the valve 14. The pipe 15, starting in front of the valve 13, communicates with the outside atmospheric pressure. Pipe 6, starting from th upper part of reservoir 4, terminates between the valves 13 and 14, and furnishes communication between tank and reservoir, alternately in two directions. Besides the steam or exhaustpipes 3, 6 and 15, terminating in the body of the distributor, there is a water supply pipe 8, connecting the reservoir 4 and the tank-5, serving in Fig. 1 to transport water from tank 5 to reservoir 4, or in Fig. 10, a

similar water, supply pipe 8. leads from reservoir 4 to tank 5. Finally a pipe 7 delivers the water of condensation to the top of tank 5, in Figs, 1 and 2, and a pipe Tito the top of the reservoir 4. in Fig. 10. Check-valves 16, 19, 20, working in the proper direction are provided in the various p1 es.

cans are provided whereby the float lever controls the actuation of the distributor so as to produce a-snap action of the valves at two positions of the float, when the float tank is nearly full also when it is nearly empty.

In Figs. 7, 8 and 9, are shown the details of the spring operated mechanism by means of which the float lever controls the action of the valve rod 12 and the'v'alves 13 and 14. The form of this spring may be varied as illustrated. The float lever 10 is fulcrumed on thefixad point 11 and carries aneye 27 thru which passes a spring 26. The two free ends of the spring are connected to two.

freely oscillating rockers 28 and 29. The angular portions of these wedges engage in grooves fashioned in the piece 30 attached tothe valve-rod 12, of the valves .13 and 14.

Therod 12, carrying the two valves 13 and 14, is provided with two collars 31 and 32, and has at its two extremities nuts and set-nuts 33, 34, 35 and 36. It is also provided with a ring 37 and a conical ring 38. with guide rings 39. By means of these collars, nuts and rings, the positions of the two valves can be accurately controlled so as to fit and shut off the two lower seats 40 and 41, or open together the two upper seats 42 and 43. I

Figure 9 shows in dotted lines all the parts in the median position which is a position of unstable equilibrium corresponding to the moment when points 27 and 11 are on the same horizontal line. If at this moment the float 9 rises slightly, the eye 27 rises and pushes upward the free ends 28 and 29, which oscillate and take a position as indicated at the rightjn Fig. 9, thereby forcing down the valve-rod 12, and seating the valves 13 and 14 on their lower seats 40 and 41.

Hence, when the float rises above the position where the lever 10 is horizontal, the rod 12 descends. It does not, however, de-

scend so far as is indicated at the right of Fig. 9, but into the position shown in Fig. 7 where the two valves come to a stop on their lower seats, shutting them off, and are held applied to the seats by the pressure of the'spring 26', resting in the holes of the wedges 28 and 29 and maintaining them in the position shown. If, on the other hand, the float 9 sinks-below the position where its lever 10 is horizontal, the eye 27 sinks carrying down' the extremities of the spring 26, lowering the holes 28 and 29 of the wedges, tilting them into the position indicated in Fig. 8 and at the left of Fig. 9, thus causing the rod 12 to rise and the valves to rest on their upper seats 42 and 43. Therefore, when the float descends below the position where lever 10 is horizontal,

the rod 12 rises. The stroke of the rod in thisdire'ction is, however, shorter than that shown in Fig. 9, since this figure has been drawn exaggerating the throw of the wedges and to clearly illustrate the difference between Figures 7 and 8. I

Referring to' Fig. 3, the fulcrum 11 of the lever 10 of the float 9, is mounted in bracket 46. The bronze valve seats of the valves 13 and 14 and two long threaded pieces 47 and 48 permit the mounting of and the access to the movable parts and to r the fixed seats of the distributor. The part 47 serves as guide for the rings 39, the part 48 having a polygonal head, assisting in its removal. It, moreover, forms a dome around the top of the valve rod 12, and allows communication between the upper seat of the valve 14 and the passage 17, which ends in the top of the tank 5. The

two branches of the passage 17 are accessible time this pressure forces open the check valve 19 of the pipe 8, thru which the water passes to fill the reservoir. At this time the top of the reservoir 4, thru the pipe 6 which opens between the two valves 13 and 14 is in communication with the exhaust pipe 15, the pressure in pipe 6 acting in the direction of the full arrow; the boiler pressure keeps the valve 20 closed.

Figure 2 shows the operative parts of the tank 5, in a new position. The float 9 having fallen has raised the rod 12 bringing the valves 13 and 14 against their upper seats 42 and 43. Thereupon, the boiler pressureis transmitted thru the pipe 3, under valve 14, thru the pipe 6 to the surface of the water in the reservoir 4, placed above the boiler, into which it empties under the pressure in pipe 6, assisted by gravity, the direction of pressure in the pipe 6 being indicated by the dotted arrow. During this time the top of the tank 5 is connected thru the bottom of valve 13 with the exhaust15, feleasing the steam pressure, which allow the water of condensation tov enter. the tank 5, thru the valve 16, the pressure p in reservoir 4 closing the valve 19.

Fig. 10, shows another arrangement of the parts, the tank 5' being now above and the reservoir 4 below the water level of the boiler. The tank is full, the float 9' up and the pressure of the boiler, exerted in tank 5', closing the valve 23'.

I closes valve 21' In the condition shown in Fig. 11, the float 9' is down, the valves 13' and 14 up. The boiler pressure now passes thru pipe 3', under the valve 14;, thru the pipe 6', in the direction of the dotted arrow of Fig. 10 and acts on the surface of the water, which has enteredthe reservoir 4'. This pressure shutting off the water of condensation, opens the valve 23, forcing the water from reservoir 4', into tank 5', which it fills. The tank 5' at this time is open to exhaust, thru the bottom of valve 13' and the pipe 15', the boiler pressure closing the valve 22'.-

Means are provided in case the supply of water of condensation is insuflicient, for supplying additional water. The latter may come from the city mains. Pipe 100 connected with a supplemental source of supply, like the city mains, is connected with the lower tank, a check valve 101 preventing back flow. A float 102 is connected with valve 103 so as to open the supply from the city mains, in case the water level of the lower tank sinks too low, i. e., in case the water of condensation supplied fnom the ipe 7 is insufficient.

It is to e noted that in the two conditions of the installation shown in 'Figs. 1 and 10, it is the lower member, whether reservoir 4 ortank 5, that receives the water of condensation and, therefore, we can in the two ,cases reintroduce the water of condensation into the boiler. l/Vhether the tank or the reservoir is to be placed above or below the boiler depends upon the conditions of the location of the installation.

The amplitude of the motion of the float 9 and the frequency of its action can be controlled by the location of the points 27 and 11, which can be more or less widely separated vertically or horizontall In Fig. 12, a water heater is illustrated in which there is provided an upper com partment receiving water from pipe 51 which may be heated by pipe 52 supplied with exhaust steam. The water passes into :the compartment first falling on bafile plates 53, 54 and passing into the lower compartment 55 thru valve 56. At the proper time, the water from lower compartment 55 is forced upwardly thru pipe 57 to theupper controlling tank 58, by steam pressure. After the upper tank 58 is filledfand steam pressure from boiler 59 has been applied to the upper tank, the water flows from the upper tank into the boiler by pipe 60. The

distributing valve system controlled by a float in the upper tank is like the one illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 for example and described in the specification. The float 61 by snap spring connection (like; that illustrated in Figs..7 and 8) controls the valves 62, 63, which in turn control steam pressure pipe 64 (regulated by hand valve 65) extank, a steam forcing the water in the lower compartment upward thru pipe 57 into the upper tank 58. Pressure in the u per tank is relieved by exhaust pipe 67. x fter the upper tank is filled, the float 61 rises and at the top of its movement, the float thru the spring snap connection reverses the position of the valves 62, 63 and lowers them against their lower valve seats. Steam under pressure from pipe 64 now passes thru valve port 63, thru bypass 63 to the top of the upper tank. The steam pressure in the boiler and upper tank now being the same, the water flows into the boiler thru pipe 60 by gravity.

Means are provided for supplying additional water from the city mainsor other supplemental supply, should the supply of the water of condensation to the lower compartment of theheater prove inadequate.

An auxiliary pipe connected to a supplemental supply (not shown) is connected to pipe '71 leading to inlet ipe 51. Valve 72 is opened by bell crank 3 and float 74, by means of connection 75 when the water level drops to a predetermined. level, i. e., when there is not suflicient water in the lower compartment.

Having thus described the invention it will be understood that changes may be made therein without departing from the principle of the invention.

.ters Patent is:

1. In a water supply s stem, the combination of a controlled tan and a controlling pressure pipe line for supplying steam -pressure to the controlling tank, a pipe "between one of said tanks and the apparatus to be supplied with water, amechanically controlled, balancing and pressure applying steam line for the controlled tank, a valve for controlling the flow of steam through the .steam line, said valve also controlling a passage between the steam pressure pipe line and the controlling tank so as to admit pressure to or cut it off from the controlling tank, a water pipeline between the tanks,.

a float .in the controlling tank, mechanical connections between the float and the valve,

and means whereby said float in the controlling tank automatically, intermittently and mechanically controls the parts so as to supply water to the apparatus to be suplied. a P 2. In a water supply system for supplying feed water to boilers, the combination of a controlled tank and a controlling tank,

pipe line for supplying steam pressure to the controlling tank, a pipe between one of said tanks and the boiler for supplying Water to the boiler, a steam line for the controlled tank, a water pipe line between the tanks, and a float connected with said controlling tank, a distributor and mechanical connections between said distributor and said float, said distributor provided with a valve, which valve controls the steam line for the controlled tank and the steam pressure line for and passage to the controlling tank, thereby controlling the water supply to or from the controlled tank and to the boiler.

3. In a water sup-ply system for supplying a steam pressure feed water to boilers, the combination of a steam pressure pipe 2 controlled tank and a controlling tank, a line for supplying steam pressure from the boiler to the controlling tank, an exhaust pipe line communicating between the controlling tank andthe atmosphere, a pipe between one of said tanks and the boiler for supplying water to the boiler,

- a mechanically controlled steam line for the controlled tank, a valve for controlling the flow of steam through the steam line, said valve also controlling a passage between the steam pressure tank so as'to admit pressure to or cut it off from the controlling tank, a water pipe line between the tanks, a float in the controlling tank, mechanical connections between the float and the valve, and means whereby said float in the controlling tank automatically,intermittently and mechanically controls the parts so as to supply water to the boiler.

boiler, the combination of a controlled tank and a controlling tank, a water line between the tanks, a steam line and connections for supplying steam pressure to the controlling tank,

an exhaust line between the controlling tank and'the atmosphere, a mechanically controlledsteam line for the controlled tank, a feed water pipe between one of said tanks and the boiler, a

float connected with the controlling tank and a distributing valve mechanically connected to said float for controlling the steam pressure supply line and its connection with the controlling tank, the steam line for the vcontrolled tank and the controlling tank,

, exhaust line, thereby suppl ing water to or from the controlled tank an to the boiler.

5. In a water supply system for steam boilers, the combination of a controlled tank and a, controlling tank, a steam line and connections for supplying steam pressure to the an exhaust line between the controlling tank and the. atmosphere, a steam line for. the controlled tank, a feed water pipe between one of said tanks and the boiler, a float connected with the controlling pipe line and the controlling trolled by. 4. In a water. supply system for steam tank, said valve also controlling controlled and controlling tanks, asteam line for the controlled tank, a feed water pipe between one of said tanks and the boiler, a float ,connected with the controlling tank, a pair of valves, a valve stem carryingsaid valves, and connections between said Valve stem and said float, said valves controlling the steam pressure supply line and its connection with the controlling tank, the steam line for the controlled tank and the exhaust line thereby supplying water to the controlled tank and to the boiler. Y

7. In a water, supply system; for steam boilers, the combination of a controlled tank and a controlling tank, a water line besteam line and connectween the tanks, a tions for supplying steam pressure to the controlling tank, an exhaust line between the controlling tank and the atmosphere, a

steam line for the controlled tank, a feed water pipe between one of said tanks and the boiler, a float connected with the controlling tank, a distributin valve'mechanical connection including afost motion connection between said valve and said float consaid float for controlling the steam pressure supply line and its connection with the controlling'tank, the steam line for the controlled tank and the exhaust line, thereby supplying water toor from the controlled tank and to the boiler.

8. In a water supply system. for steam boilersgthe combination of a controlled tank and a controlling tank, a water line between the tanks, a steam line and connections for supplying steam pressure to the controllingtank, an exhaust line between the controlling tank and the atmosphere, a steam line for the controlled tank, a feed water pipe between one of said tanks and the boiler, a float connected with the controlling tank, a distributing valve for controlling the steam line and its connection with the controlling the steam line for the controlled tank, a s ring snap connection between the valve an float, controlled by said float for controlling the steam pressure supply line, the steam line for the controlled tank and the exhaust line, thereby supplying water to or from the controlled tank and to the boiler.

9. In a water supply system for steam boilers, the combination of a controlled tank and a controlling tank, a water line between the tanks, a steam line and connections for supplying steam pressure to the controlling tank, an exhaust linel between the controlling tank and the atmosphere, a steam line for the controlled tank, a feed water pipe between one of said tanks and the boiler, a float connected with the controlling tank, a distributing valve for controlling the steam line and its connection with the controllingtank, said valve also controlling the steam line for the controlled tank, a spring and rocker connection between the-float and valve, controlled by said float 'tor controlling the steam line, the steam line for the and the exhaust line, water to, or from the controlled tank and to the boiler.

10. In a water supply system for steam boilers, the combination of a controlled tank and a controlling tank, a water line pressure s11 ppl controlled tan thereby supplying between the tanks, a steam line and connections for supplying steam pressure to the controlling tank, an exhaust .line between the controlling tank and the atmosphere, a steam line for the controlled tank, a feed water pipe between one of said tanks andthe boiler, a float in the controlling tank, a distributing valve for controlling the steam line and its connection with the controlling tank, said valve also controlling the steam line for the controlled tank, and a two ended spring, a pair of rockers, between the ends of said spring and said float, controlled by said float for controlling the steam pressure supply line, the steam line for the controlled tank. and the exhaust plying water to or from and to the boiler.

In testimony whereof, I havesigned my name to this specification.

OSCAR H. LUDEMAN.

line, thereby supthe controlled tank 

